Two and a half miles. That's all it is from the parking lot (elev. 1,650') to the summit of Saddle Mountain (elev. 3,283'). Be prepared to marvel at the sheer volume of natural beauty packed onto the mountain, from a mature forest setting to fields of wildflowers to an open rocky summit. The view from the top of the mountain is one that cannot be described ... it must be experienced.

The trip to the top isn't an everyday stroll through the woods, though. Come prepared with water and layer your clothing. The temperature is very different at the summit than in the parking lot. Wear appropriate shoes for rough terrain and be prepared for some steep grades, which make for interesting climbing. A nice walking stick and friend's hand would be helpful in many areas. As you climb, though, remember to look up and out at the landscape before you. Also look down at the wild floral show that may only exist at that elevation. Take frequent breaks and enjoy this unique landscape as well as the beauty of the forest below you.

My daughter and I have long wanted to do this hike and when we finally did we were not disappointed. We hiked it in August and never before on any hike have I seen so many different wild flowers. The asters were my favorite. It was a great adventure

May 19Family Favorite by rmay4

We did this trail late one afternoon and had a cup of fresh coffee while watching the clouds roll in below us and fill in all the valleys leaving us and only a few peaks showing through. Then as the sun started setting and casting a colorful glow it became magical. The hike back down in the dark could have been better as we decended down into the cloud bank that looked so asesome before it was damp, wet and dark. But still to this day, my kids then 8 and 11, remember this as their most memorable and awesome trip ever and is a motivating memory to encourage them to get out again. Don?t miss it. If you don?t like the trip, I reccomend it again, give is second chance. It has great potential. It would be an early sunrise hike also I think. http://rmay4.wordpress.com/2008/05/20/saddle-mountain-state-park